Jars
23
Sugar
11.3 cups
Process
10 min
11.3 cups
8 tbsp
4 pkt
10 min
![Miuyhji Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz with Lids [6 Pack], Canning Jars with Metal Airtight Lids and Bands, 16 oz Glass Jars for Fermenting, Pickling, Freezing, Preserving, Meal Prep, Jar Décor](/products/B0CRD3XTHP.webp)
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Inputs
Result
5 lbs × 3 cups/lb = 15 cups fruit. Sugar: 15 × 0.75 = 11.25 cups. Yield: (15 + 11.25) × 0.85 = 22.3 cups. Jars: ceil(22.3/1) = 23 — wait, 8oz = 1 cup, so 23 jars. Low pectin fruit needs 4 packets (1 per 4 cups).
Inputs
Result
5 lbs × 3 cups/lb = 15 cups. Sugar: 15 × 0.4 = 6 cups. Yield: (15+6) × 0.5 = 10.5 cups. Jars: ceil(10.5/1) = 11. High pectin fruit, no added pectin needed for butter.
Jam is made from crushed or chopped fruit with sugar and pectin. Jelly uses only strained fruit juice, producing a clear, firm set. Conserves are jam-like but include nuts, raisins, or coconut. Marmalade includes citrus peel. Fruit butter is slow-cooked until smooth with less sugar.
| Type | Sugar Ratio | Yield Factor | Process Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jam | 75% | 85% | 10 min |
| Jelly | 75% | 65% | 10 min |
| Conserve | 60% | 90% | 15 min |
| Fruit Butter | 40% | 50% | 15 min |
Traditional jam uses a 3:4 fruit-to-sugar ratio (75% sugar by fruit volume). For 5 lbs of strawberries (~15 cups), you need about 11.25 cups of sugar. Low-sugar recipes use 50% sugar with special low-sugar pectin. No-sugar recipes rely on alternative pectin types or very long cooking.
No. High-pectin fruits like apples, citrus, and cranberries can set without added pectin if cooked long enough. Low-pectin fruits (strawberries, peaches, figs) need added pectin for a firm set. Fruit butter never needs pectin because it relies on reduction rather than gelling.
Yield depends on fruit type, sugar level, and preserve style. As a general rule, 5 lbs of fruit with full sugar makes about 10–12 half-pint (8oz) jars of jam, 6–8 jars of jelly (juice only), or 5–6 jars of fruit butter (heavy reduction). The calculator gives exact jar counts based on your inputs.
Read our guide
Read our guide
Read our guide
Detailed jam and canning calculations
Water bath processing times
Pressure canning for low-acid foods
Explore all our free food and preservation calculators
Last Updated: Jul 2, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.